Geno Auriemma Breaks Down UConn’s Statement Win Over South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Fresh off an 87-58 rout of South Carolina, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma spoke candidly about his team’s dominant performance, addressing key takeaways and what it means moving forward.
On Whether UConn Played a “Perfect Game”
“Perfect is a bad word,” Auriemma said. “We’ve chased perfect seasons before, but in reality, it’s about decision-making and being connected on the court. Tonight, our rebounding, transition defense, and offense were about as close to perfect as we’ve been all year.”
On the Gap Between “Great” and “Elite” Teams
Auriemma acknowledged the changing landscape of women’s college basketball, especially in the NIL and transfer portal era.
“There have always been elite programs at the top, but now there are more really good teams than ever. We may not have as many ‘super teams,’ but the depth of talent across the board makes for a thrilling NCAA Tournament.”
On UConn’s Rebounding Success
For Auriemma, rebounding is about mentality.
“It’s not just effort—it’s about playing to win rather than playing to avoid losing,” he explained. “Tonight, we attacked the glass with urgency. But I’ll say this—we could go down to Seton Hall on Wednesday and get outworked. That’s how unpredictable it can be.”
On Jana El Alfy’s Breakout Performance
“Jana El Alfy set the tone early in the paint,” Auriemma noted. “We’ve talked all year about adding an inside presence to complement our elite three-point shooting. Tonight, she played her best game since arriving at UConn.”
On the Impact of UConn-South Carolina Rivalry
“This game has history,” Auriemma said. “We’ve battled in regular-season matchups, NCAA Tournaments—home and away. South Carolina turned it into a true rivalry when they started winning, and that’s what makes it special.”
On Carrying Momentum Forward
Auriemma emphasized that sustaining this level of play is the real challenge.
“You can’t bottle up a performance like this,” he said. “The key is taking bits and pieces and making them part of our identity. If we can replicate this intensity in practice, then we’ll be a dangerous NCAA Tournament team.”
On Azzi Fudd’s Resilience
“Azzi Fudd missed shots early, but she didn’t let it affect her,” Auriemma said. “She’s a perfectionist, and in the past, those struggles might have lingered. Tonight, she stayed locked in, and it paid off.”
On Whether UConn Deserves a No. 1 Seed
“I don’t put too much stock in that,” Auriemma admitted. “We’ve made Final Fours as a No. 1, No. 2, even a No. 3 seed. What matters is how we perform in March.”
On Paige Bueckers’ Impact
“Paige Bueckers controlled the game without needing to score 30 points,” Auriemma said. “There’s an unfair pressure on her to deliver every night, but games like this prove her value goes beyond stats.”
Final Thoughts
Auriemma took a moment to praise South Carolina’s passionate fan base.
“This is a tough place to play,” he said. “I remember coming here years ago, and the crowd didn’t know how to react to big games. Now, they’re one of the most knowledgeable fan bases in the country. It’s a testament to what Dawn Staley and this program have built.”
UConn will look to build on this momentum when they take on Seton Hall next, while South Carolina aims to rebound Thursday against Arkansas.
